Students of great variety enroll in National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) courses, and we have found a few key elements of Deuter Program packs, made with the Aircontact back system are invaluable in providing comfortable backpacking experiences to each of them.

First, the adjustable height of the shoulder straps allows NOLS to rent the same pack, course after course, season after season, to very different students. The VariQuick straps can be moved at small increments along the back of the pack to fit individuals of quite different heights.

Secondly, students on Adventure Courses (14-15 years old) and women are typically better fit by Deuter’s SL (slim line) packs, which we use at locations all around the world.

So, once you have selected the appropriate pack for your body composition and packed it full of all the necessary gear for your expedition you’re ready to load up and start walking, how do you ensure the pack is adjusted so you won’t end up in pain?

Start with the hips and work your way up. Make sure the hip belt sits one inch above the hip shelf. It is imperative that the majority of the pack’s weight is on your hips, not your shoulders or pulling on your back.

After cinching the hip belt down, move up to the shoulder straps. Tighten them to comfort, and then ensure the top of the straps sit on top of your shoulders. If there is a gap, the space between the shoulder pads and the hip strap is too long. If the shoulder straps reach the pack more than two inches below the tops of your shoulders, the space is too short. Use the adjustable shoulder locations on Deuter’s Program Packs for this very accommodation.

Once you have ensured the shoulder straps are set to the right height, clip the sternum strap. This serves to prevent the shoulder straps from slipping while you hike.

Finally, check that the top of the pack is cinched tightly in, not pulling back from your head, which will strain your back. This can be achieved by adjusting the load lifter straps above the shoulder straps.

Keep an eye out for some tips on safely lifting that heavy, nicely adjusted load onto your back soon.

Want to learn how to properly pack your pack?

• Check out more Tips and Tricks at Deuter.com
• Learn more about the AirContact Back System.